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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 145, 25 July 1914, Page 8

The idea which prompted, the Government to embark on a system of assisted immigration is one that can be generally supported, so long as those responsible at the other side of the world for the selection of such immigrants carry out their duties faithfully and well. If that supervision by the selectors is at all careless or haphazard, then abuses are.inevitable, and the result is that this country is assisting to its j shores an undesirable element which has no economic-or other value to the community. Two societies in Auckland which are, interested in the welfare of young women who have come to New Zealand, have been constrained to bring under the notice of the Minister (Hon. Mr Bell) certain facts which suggested that there was laxity on, the part of somebody at Home in, the inspection of the bona fides of assisted.) girl immigrants. The details of the matter are> i reported in a story from our special representative in Auckland, and they, go to show that" there is need for improvement on the part ,'of the High Commissioner's agents in selecting thV girls. Tuberculous patients and'young women of loose morals' can hardly be glassed as desirable additions,to out population. In response to the representations of .the Auckland deputation the Minister has decided that the selection of young women for New Zealand, who are capable of all-round domestic utility, should be left to the British Women's Emigration Association, whichhas agencies in advantageous centres. The Department has also: agreed with the suggestion that the girls on the voyage out should be provided with some: definite light labour. This will tend to keep the frivolous-minded misses from getting into mischief. The High Commissioner has yet to agree to these reforms, but as a practical man, he will doubtless see the benefits that are certain to result from a more careful choice of nominees, and the distraction of light duties on the way out. Mistakes have been made in the past at Home, but it only requires stricter investigation of the tra\ T ellers before they receive assisted passages to reduce such errors to a minimum.